p. 7 | A CHEAT OF THE SOUL

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 24, 1900

A CHEAT OF THE SOUL.

"The Public Shaved To-morrow for Nothing."

THESE were the words the astonished passers-by read, one Monday morning, over the sign of an enterprising barber who strove to drive his trade in an already well barber-stocked neighborhood of a large city.

People stopped to look, to wonder what it could mean, scoffingly at first, then, as they still lingered, they began to wish it might be true, and speculated together on such a possibility. What an opportunity, and so short—TO-MORROW!

Soon expectant customers, of the class who are ever on the alert for "wonderful bargains," dropped in to inquire at what hour they would be served on the coming day.

"Any time you please," was the invariable reply, given with the greatest suavity. A more obliging tradesman was surely never seen.

Tuesday morning arrived. In flocked the unshaven, chuckling to themselves over their good fortune and the simplicity of the barber.

"Well, gentlemen," said he, bowing affably to them all, "to what may I ascribe the favor of your patronage?"

"Why, we are here consistent with your promise; yesterday we read over your door, 'The public shaved to-morrow for nothing.'"

"Truly," responded he. "And to-day you read the same. Payment I must have NOW; TO-MORROW you shall be served for nothing."

Crestfallen, they perceived that they had been the dupes of their own covetousness and folly.

Dost thou, O deluded man, deride these who were thus ensnared? At thyself thou laughest, for thou art the subject of

A SIMILAR BUT MORE SERIOUS DECEPTION.

Applaudest thou the barber? Thou dost virtually extol one whose name is Satan, who lures thee on with hope of gain and heaven TO-MORROW, but fills his greed to-day with thy store of time and strength, yea, and all that thou hast that is worth the taking.

What charm there is in that word "TO-MORROW"! What resolves for doing better, what fond hopes of some mysterious change taking place, what delusive expectation that it will be easier to be saved then, does that phantom day foster! God's time, NOW, is bartered for Satan's TO-MORROW, and you think you have made a great bargain, until in the hour of need you resort in vain to your ready promiser, to be met with the mocking cry, "TO-MORROW."

God asserts that "now is the day of salvation." Satan lyingly whispers, "Plenty of time to-morrow." And your poor silly heart, fond of the pleasures of sin, eagerly leaps at the bait, and, after skilful playing by the cunning angler, you will find yourself hopelessly entangled in the landing-net of your adversary.

"Boast not thyself of to-morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."—Anon.